Corrie's Michelle Keegan: 'You won't see me on a celebrity show'

ACTRESS Michelle Keegan, who has played Coronation Street’s Tina McIntyre since 2008, is due to leave the soap in May. The 26-year-old actress lives in Manchester with her two dogs, Phoebe and Pip, and is engaged to former The Only Way Is Essex star Mark Wright.

Corrie's Michelle Keegan opens up about leaving the show and her future plans [PH]

Tell us about your new campaign…

I want to raise awareness about the health benefits of eating eggs. My personal trainer has recommended that I eat them for protein. Every morning, I have scrambled eggs.

Did you always want to act?

Yes, I did. I took part in pantos and school plays and studied drama at A level. I couldn’t decide what to do at university so I did an evening class at the Manchester School of Acting. I finished in October 2007, got an agent, and auditioned for Coronation Street in November.

Was it scary, being part of such a famous show?

I grew up watching Corrie so it was daunting. It took me a year to find my feet. Plus, I’d never been on a TV set. I had to pinch myself quite a lot.

Which was your favourite storyline?

When Tina’s dad, played by Reece Dinsdale, died in 2010. It was emotional. Reece and I got on well.

Michelle would like to play a role in a period drama or comedy [PH]

Who will you miss most?

It is hard to pick out one person as I enjoy working with all the cast. I’ll miss everyone.

What are you hoping to do next?

I’d like a role in a period drama or a comedy – something completely different. You won’t see me on a celebrity reality show – I can’t see myself doing them.

If you could swap places with someone for 24 hours, who would it be?

Kate Middleton. I’d love to be a princess for the day.

What’s been the most embarrassing moment of your career?

At an awards ceremony, I managed to drop a chip covered in mayonnaise on my dress, so I had to walk around with a greasy stain down my front.

What’s the weirdest thing sent by a fan?

An engagement ring and a wedding ring from a fan who asked if I could wear them in public to prove that I was his. They were returned to the sender. That was flattering but strange.

What was your worst job?

When I was 16, I volunteered to help out at an animal rescue centre. We ended up cleaning out the pigs’ enclosure. That was pretty unpleasant.

Michelle is a fan of British Lion eggs. For more recipe inspiration, visit eggrecipes.co.uk.